Selecting A New Hot Water Heater

Jimmyjoebob

It looks as if I need to purchase a new electric hot water heater. The one I have now has lasted about 20 years but now does not appear to be heating as well. We have replaced the t-stats and an electrician checked the heating elements and found no problem. There may be a corrosion problem but I don't know. I live in rural south Georgia, on a well and we have a water softener. Prior to having the water softener, our water was not that hard but my wife wanted to get rid of water stains in the bathroom shower. As mentioned, we have an electric water heater located in a closet in our house. I do have a 120 gal propane tank which services our fireplace and my outside gas grill. Before contracting to replace the hot water tank, what should I be considering in the process? That is: water chemistry, type of tank (stainless, plastic, ?) for another electric heater, tankless using propane, brand, etc? As an ex-buildings and grounds supervisor .... I want something reliable, quality and easy to maintain. I don't see my wife and I (late 70's) living here much longer than 15 more years. I am willing to pay for what I need ..... just not overpay. Any help would be appreciated.

Hot_water_fan

If you have a tank now, then there’s no reason for a tankless. You can get better efficiency and performance with a tank and you have the space. 

You can compare the fuel costs, but since prices change constantly, don’t put too much weight into it. If you’re happy with the existing size, seems easy to just replace with the same thing. The heat pump water heaters will cut usage by about 2/3rds but are more expensive. 

Intplm.

The water heater is in the closet now. If you want the new water heater in that closet, you will need to stay with an electric replacement. Other types that burn fuel will need more air to safely operate. So a gas type is not something to switch too.

Larry Weingarten

Hi, It is a long-shot with your existing heater on softened water, but there is a very good chance the current heater isn't giving you adequate hot water because of a failed dip tube. The plastic tubes become brittle with age and sometimes split or break off. It's an inexpensive part. The other thing is all glass lined tanks have anode rods. In good water they can last up to around ten years. Softening shortens their lifespan. Still, installing a new anode can stop tank rusting where it is, giving you a chance at many more years with your existing heater. I've worked on many thousands of tanks, and even when I found anodes completely gone, have been able to keep tanks going. The failure rate for all tanks stayed at under half of a percent per year, so it's not a big gamble to see if you can keep your existing tank going and make it perform better with an anode and dip tube. I'll add that it probably would like a new relief valve too!

Yours, Larry

pecmsg

Were the elements replaced?
cheap parts. 

hot_rod

Rusty water could be an indication of a crack in the glass lining inside.

EBEBRATT-Ed

@0 years is a good run. Change it an put the same thing in.

ethicalpaul

If you don’t want to save the money that a heat pump water heater will let you, and if you value longevity, look at the Rheem Marathon with its forever plastic tank

hot_rod

Or an HTP lifetime tank.
Pay attention to water quality